Going back to work - good points!
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Category: Support
Forum Name: Working Parents
Forum Description: Are you a working parent? Join the discussion and share ideas.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41722
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Topic: Going back to work - good points!
Posted By: catisla
Subject: Going back to work - good points!
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 8:08am
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I go back to work full time soon after a year off after having DD2. Have failed to find part time work that covers the cost of daycare for two (no nearby grandparents for me to help out).
So - I am not exactly dreading it. I have a new job to go to which sounds like it should be good. But please remind me of the good points of being back in work so I dont feel so rubbish about it! For example:
tell me more! ------------- |
Replies:
Posted By: NZ-rules
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 8:41am
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I loved the social aspect, although it was an adjustment not starting every conversation with 'my baby...', and using my brain again. I'm good at my job and it was awesome to realise a year out of the workforce hadn't made me lose my skills.
Going for a lunch break and not having to rush my morning coffee were big positives! Good luck with going back to work - it's a big change and it takes awhile to get used to. ------------- 
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 8:42am
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I don't know if these fit you but these are the things I like about going to work.
*Being able to walk somewhere without having to constantly check that you have 2 little shadows following. *Being able to concentrate on something without having part of you mind constantly going "now where are those kids now, can I hear anything that makes me feel that they are doing something naughty" Then having to go check that they are in the right place. *Not having to spend the whole day in the kitchen because you are constantly cleaning or getting food. *Having your house stay tidy for a whole day. *Talking to people about things that you are trained for rather than about children. *Not stressing about the incredibly strict budget we are on when I don't work. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 8:43am
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* Oh yeah, having a lunch break, that's pretty sweet ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 9:13am
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stimulation! adult company!! peace and quiet!! ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 9:31am
I shouldn't have come in here, all this talk of breaks, alone time, no interruptions, wearing nice clothes etc are making me want to find a job  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 9:54am
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Yeah the coffee breaks and being able to eat peacefully is pretty nice. I enjoyed wearing some trendy clothes for about a month before getting knocked up haha. ------------- 
 Oct 11
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Posted By: Bky
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 10:30am
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I find work positively relaxing compared to being at home some days. ------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 12:25pm
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A full-time job is SO much easier than looking after kids
After a full day at work I am dying to see my kids A lunch break where you can eat with both hands and dont have to share your food Adult conversation Its much quieter at work The money ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 12:42pm
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I only work part time, but I like that it adds some routine into the day - for ME. I find I am much much more organised!
And also being away from your kids, really makes the time with them more special. My kids really enjoy their daycare and spending time with other kids - they have also really enjoyed their day while I have been at work and it is nice to hear about their day when I pick them up. |
Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 12:43pm
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Thats true, I find I so appreciate my kids more after being at work, and that first hug when you get home is so great. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 2:10pm
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Thanks everyone - feeling more positive now
Yes - those hugs when I pick them up from daycare are so special 
Went to drop off paperwork to my new boss this morning, and when i got out realised i had come out in yesterday's jeans with a massive splodge of baby food down one leg  ------------- |
Posted By: sbeach
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 3:00pm
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This is great!! I love...
the money being able to blast my music to and from work! not having to share what ever I am eating finishing a cup of coffee while it is still hot! adult conversation and I LOVE the reaction when I come home... ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 4:30pm
THIS! I love it ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
sbeach wrote:Posted By: Shelt
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 7:55pm
Me too :-) I also second what Alex said about adding some routine and structure to the days. Also, being recognised for my skills and abilities at work - always nice to have some feedback, even if its just a well done. Better than I get from the 3 year old most days thats for sure! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 8:17pm
I love that I can go to the loo when I want, and no one follows me, or bangs on the door screaming mum mum mum  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kandk
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 9:05pm
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I envy you! After two weeks back at work, I have realised that I do all the normal things round home, But I still don't get a lunch break as I have to dash away and feed DD, which makes good clothes a no-no and a cafe a pipe dream, I don't get morning tea as I will often have playground duty, I can't have relaxing drive to work because I have the two of them with me until we reach their caregiver, and my conversations all day consist of telling rowdy 11 year olds to be quiet! But the money is good. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: pumpkino
Date Posted: 14 March 2012 at 9:36pm
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The days that I work are by far the easiest of the week! Much easier than being home with a 2 year old, especially when I was heavily pregnant.
I can sit down whenever I want, for as long as I want. I am completely autonomous - if I want to nip out to the shops, whether for chocolate or a hot chocolate or whatever, I can just go, without needing to worry about who will watch Toby while I'm gone. I can meet other adults for lunch in nice cafes - doesn't matter if they don't have highchairs. Toby absolutely LOVES daycare. He has loads of friends and gets to do things that I can't bear to do at home due to the mess, like painting. I feel like I am contributing to the household financially rather than just relying on DH. |
Posted By: pencils
Date Posted: 15 March 2012 at 10:38am
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Great thread
Where do I start? - I don't have to clean mashed banana or smeared peanut butter off the carpet/sofa/myself or the child's clothing - no one follows me to the toilet - adult conversation - using my 'work' brain - I don't have to do lots of washing and dishes - I get to wear 'work clothes' instead of my standard 'mum uniform' of shorts, t-shirt and hair tied back in a ponytail - I get to make a financial contribution to the household - Sitting at a desk is far more relaxing than entertaining an active 18 month old - I get to eat my lunch in peace - My little girl gets to do all those really cool crafty things at daycare. - My little girl gets to interact with other little ones her own age. - I love looking through my little girl's daycare book and seeing all the cool things she's been doing like playing in the sandpit etc But having said all that...I love being a mum and I take my hat off to full-time mums everywhere as it's the hardest job in the world!! |
Posted By: Tyrbear
Date Posted: 16 March 2012 at 9:03pm
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Way easier than being at home full time, My sons happy little face when I get home, and being definite favourite as he sees DH all day ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Richtea
Date Posted: 17 March 2012 at 9:16pm
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Great thread... ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: snugglebug
Date Posted: 17 March 2012 at 9:23pm
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I love this thread. I am having to look at the hard choice of going back to work at the moment and feeling very sad about it so I really needed to read something like this :) ------------- Me 28, DH 29 DS born 20 Nov 2010 (4 years old) #2 due October 7 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Stoked
Date Posted: 18 March 2012 at 7:42am
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I only work part time (for a few more weeks) but I do love going to work. It's my chance to be me, rather that being James' mum. Don't get me wrong, I love being his mum! but I love the opportunity to be quirky ol' me where other people appreciate it! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 18 March 2012 at 12:50pm
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Love going to work. I'm good at my job and in the workplace you get acknowledged for good work, whereas at home it's lucky if my housework gets noticed! I have that little window between work and pick up time at daycare to drop into a shop if need be, without a small person. So much easier! Adult company at work for me, socialising and crafts for DD. My work means we can afford small family luxuries such as a holiday once a year, nicer groceries, takeaways, and generally paying the bills without too much stress. One income means watching the bank balance and perhaps being a little bit grumpy because of that. Identity - I get to use the skills I've been trained for, I'm not identified as simply someone's Mum, I get to be 'me'. If I'm at home all day, everyday, I turn into a grumpy Mum - not pleasant. Better for every one (including DD) that I get some freedom in the adult world. For us it is about balance. I only work 16 hrs a week. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Isabella
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 4:04pm
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I LOVE working!! and I LOVE being a mum!!! Its the striking the balance between the two that can take some tweaking, but once the routine is all sorted its the best thing.
I love being acknowledged and praised for things I do at work, I love happy people bringing me cakes and easter eggs to say thanks for caring... I love the fact because I work we can afford this lovely house... I love that DD is such an outgoing wee monster because of her daycare socialisation... I love shoving it up those who said you cant possibly have my career AND be a mum!!! Hehe, think im doing a pretty good job of it!!
Love this thread
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 9:09pm
| Well, I still do everything I did before I worked (my husband doesn't generally do anything around the home as never home!) so that's not a great point. I'm also a teacher so I don't get peace and quiet at all during the day, bar a half hour lunch break on non-duty days. BUT I absolutely LOVE my job. I crank up the radio in the 3 mins I have between daycare and work. I also do boot camp one day a week so that's my 'adult' time :) |
Posted By: nms197
Date Posted: 20 March 2012 at 3:47pm
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Love this thread too, am currently WFH with DS while DD is at DC tues and weds, its ok but I need to up my hours, be more available, and help DH out running his business while Im there.
1st May both children will be in DC 3x a week... its a little frightening but good to see the reassurance of this thread and notes about why its good! *able to completely concentrate on work and not be half brain mum half brain work *able to go to the gym before work *able to sustain our mortgage and not freak out ever fortnight over money, or lack of *reducing money issues for me is reducing stress greatly which makes me a much better mum *my kids will be at daycare together, i think big sis will get a real kick out of having younger bro there... i hope... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 09 May 2012 at 8:57pm
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ooh my thread got moved over here!
One more to add - being praised for doing a good job. How many of us got that while staying at home? My new job is going really well and I feel I have had a real confidence boost and my feeling of self-worth has gone up (not that I am saying being a SAHM is a worthless thing to do but YKWIM!) ------------- |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 06 August 2012 at 8:24pm
I loved being a SAHM, but then my husband decided to go back to university, and I'm so glad he did! 
Positives
Lunchbreaks. Morning tea breaks. Afternoon tea breaks. I. Get. To. Go. To. The. Toilet. All. By. Myself. I have friends, that I see every single day. My children have the MOST AMAZING close friends for their age. My children are on opposite sides at kindy, they <3 seeing each other at the end of the day! When I feel stressy/nervy/unsure about their particular current behaviors/stages, their teachers can advise/reassure/give me a break. Some people are incredibly maternal, and amazing SAHM's. I needed to go back to work. my husband needed to go back to uni. We are much healthier individuals, and as such, we have a much healthier family unit. If (IF!) we have another child, I'd happily be a stay at home mum as the occasion called for it, but it would be because I'm much stronger after this wee family/uni/work balance exercise :) -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |